DAVID Lloyd has backed Vikram Solanki's international claims before tomorrow's Sky-televised showdown with Nottinghamshire at New Road (1pm).

The former England coach, now Sky Sports cricket pundit, is a big admirer of Worcestershire's skipper and believes the totesport League Division One clash between the Royals and the Outlaws is the perfect stage to nudge the selectors.

Solanki has been juggled around the England one-day order in recent months and even replaced by pinch-hitter Geraint Jones as opener during the series in South Africa.

"Vikram might think he's been hard done by but England are still very interested in him," said Lloyd, nicknamed 'Bumble'.

"Everybody in international cricket is interested in those first 15 overs in the one-day arena. You have to make the best use of those overs and that's why people want to get in the pinch-hitters.

"However, you have to think that Vikram is the perfect player to have in those opening 15 overs.

"People may have questioned why England put him out on their 'A' tour recently but I think that can only do him good."

Solanki was named New Road captain earlier this year and Lloyd is hoping that England will also benefit from that decision.

"I think he possibly gets too down on himself when he doesn't make big scores," said Lloyd.

"Solanki's a terrific player and I think the captaincy will be good for him because he won't be totally focused on just his own game.

"He's an instinctive talent but he's also a clever cricketer and I think that's part of the reason why he is so self-critical. You have to learn not to dwell on things as much and the captaincy can only help with that aspect."

Lloyd, meanwhile, has backed Steve Rhodes as Tom Moody's replacement if the Australian gets the Indian national coaching job.

"Steve Rhodes is a winner," said Lloyd. "He knows Worcestershire inside out and he's never lost that no-nonsense Yorkshire streak. He's the natural progression for the County."